The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Parry \Par"ry\ (p[a^]r"r[y^]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parried
   (p[a^]r"r[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Parrying.] [F. par['e], p.
   p. of parer. See Pare, v. t.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a
      thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm.
      --Locke.
      [1913 Webster]

            Vice parries wide
            The undreaded volley with a sword of straw.
                                                  --Cowper.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.
      [1913 Webster]

            The French government has parried the payment of our
            claims.                               --E. Everett.
      [1913 Webster]